pawoodhull Member

I went an ANOTHER vacation and got to watch the husband do things I was either to big to fit into or beyond my mobility level to do. I weighed 386 pounds and decided on the way home from that vacation that I was done living like I was 100 years old because my mobility was shot. Bariatric surgery 4 years ago got me started.…

Thanks Paula. And no, pantyhose do nothing for me. I do have a pair of compression like leggings, the top is a really well working shaper, and they do hold my thighs in a little, but you can still see the 2 inch overhang on the outside of my knees. It's very obvious. The only thing that would really work for me is…

What a horrible thing to say! That was offensive to cancer patients as well as WLS patients. And it shows that this person knows nothing about WLS because if they did they would know this isn't the easy way out of anything. This is a lifetime change is we want to keep it off. And that is hard work forever.

Sounds like you have it under control! Good job.

I have permanent eyeliner which is applied the exact same way a tat on any other body part is. My gift to myself when I finally hit my weight loss goal is to have my eyebrows filled in this way. My kids, who have tats tell me my permanent makeup doesn't count, but I disagree. It's all applied the same way, same techniques,…

Once I made the decision to get the sleeve I told my family, close friends and most of my co-workers. We lose so quickly at first everyone either thinks WLS or they think you're dying, so no point in trying to be coy about it. I also think it helps keep me going when I get ready to just give up (like right now in my…

This for me too. For the past few weeks, I have been having shakes for breakfast in place of my usual yogurt. I mix my protein powder with 8 ounces of milk and 8 ounces of water. These are creamy flavors and I can't stand them mixed with just water. We will see what my nutritionist says next month. If you are having a hard…

My doctor explained it this way, he said I had lost a "164 pound blanket". True and I was freezing! However, this summer, coming up on 4 years out from surgery and almost a year stalled, I find I'm slightly less cold than I used to be. My doctor said my body thermostat would eventually reset and maybe that's what's going…

Thaeda, I love your honesty and insight. It really does make a difference exactly what our calories are made up of. I gained through the holidays not because I was over calories, but because of what my calories were made up of (sweets, carbs, junk). I too am struggling with the snacking thing. I know part of it is my…

Awesome transformation!

Welcome back!

Wonderful progress!!!!!

Awesome results! Congratulations!

I blogged on here about suddenly not being invisable anymore. True as the weight comes off, in my case at least, I became more approachable because I began to feel better about myself. People in general have been friendlier and even folks I don't know (men and women) speak to me, but I haven't had the issue you have. But,…

So I've been doing what you call IF and didn't even realize it. I go to bed around 10 so need to stop eating at 9, one hour before laying down or I am up in the night with bad acid reflux. I also am not a morning eater normally. It's like my stomach needs time to wake up slowly and if I eat too soon after getting up, it…

Great NSVs!!!

I did the same thing initially when told how great I looked or got the "Oh you're so skinny now! (I am not skinny!). I would say something like "Thanks! I'm still working on it." I think a lot of the posters above are right, we are conditioned to humble ourselves for whatever reason. It takes time but eventually you will…

My trigger foods are ice cream and flavored chips (no not together!). I decided prior to surgery I was done eating ice cream, period. I have not reintroduced it at all and frankly do not miss it or crave it at all. That was a happy surprise. Even my recent new "wanting to eat sweets" does not include ice cream, it's…

At first I couldn't handle the sweet, thick shakes they gave me at the hospital. When I got home I switched to Unjury chicken or beef broth. Protein infused, and thin like broth is supposed to be, tastes good too. After a few months I could start doing the shakes again. I'm still not a big fan of most of the shakes but I…

That's awesome! You are truly an inspiration!

I am 4 years out from surgery, I started at 386 and I've lost 160+ pounds so far. The first year was rather quick, then it rapidly turned into what you are experiencing. Some of us just lose slow, but we still lose. Your walk will be similar to others but not exactly the same. As long as the scale, inches or your clothing…

I have done several trips since WLS, the first one at 3 months out from WLS. Road trips are frankly easier because I can take a lot of my own food. I take protein bars, protein powder, cheese sticks/slices, deli meats, and flavored water. Even a multiple day road trip, the hotel will put your food in the fridge and your…

Thanks Blair!

OK, sounds like you know what the problems are and what you need to do. Up protein and water and moderate your exercise, maybe add some strength training to rebuild muscle. Most of us have addictive personalities and when we have WLS, the addiction can transfer to something else, in your case exercise. Also, the more…

And, I have never heard of "Rash Guard" swim tops? What are they and where would I find them?

Dale, I am half serious. My thighs are pooling around my knees and my upper arms around my elbows, so it's more than "batwings" or a little saggy skin for me. Maybe it's vain, but I will not go sleeveless nor wear anything shorter than capri's and nothing can be tight, especially on the legs, or the stuff pooling around…

This is true. My experience with family and friends who have lost only to regain is only with RNY. But again, that is just my experience and doesn't reflect on RNY in and of itself. Either surgery can be sucessful if you follow the plan (food and exercise) for the rest of your life. WLS, any WLS is a tool, pure and simple.…

7/21/11 - VSG

I'm contenplating a wet suit, like you would use for diving, that's to the elbows and knees. And that is as close as I will get to a bathing suit.

I had something similar happen last year. It really does make you feel good! That's a great NSV!!